The 92nd Academy Awards

Well, another Academy Award presentation is in the books. It was one that actually spread the awards to many films--"Parasite" being the biggest winner. As with last year, this show was also hostless. I'm not sure why, however one could speculate that it was because of cost or possibly that what happened to Kevin Hart last year, other comedians didn't want the gig assuming that the Academy would find some sort of dirt on another comedian that requested to host. What amazed me was that the Red Carpet was almost as long as the presentation itself. I remember when growing up, the Red Carpet was maybe 30 minutes. Wow, things have changed. One sweet moment was where Shia LeBeouf and Zachary Gottsagen who both starred in "The Peanut Butter Falcon" were presenting an award and LeBeouf was helping Zack out with the words he was to say. 
The musical numbers were varied as were the different films they're from, however, there was a rap song by Eminem who won best song for "8 Mile" that was played that I'm not sure why that was performed. It was performed at a place where we were led to believe that a nominated song was being presented, but that song wasn't from any of the films. Plus, the opening number by Cynthia Erivo was exciting and exhilarating, but getting some of these A-list actors to sing was odd, i.e. Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio--great actors, but not singers. 
I believe that without a host, the presentation kind of stumbled around a bit, but once it found its footing, it flowed fairly well. Other than a few political statements during some people's acceptance speeches, the show was fairly void of politics, which I find as a breath of fresh air. During this presentation, I feel that political leanings aren't the time or place to bring those up. If these A-list actors want to preach their politics, they can make a public service announcement--they certainly have the money to produce one, plus more people can see it as many times as they wish. 
Anyway, here is the usual list of the winners who picked up that elusive Oscar:

Best Picture:
"Parasite"
Best Actor:
Joaquin Phoenix-- "Joker"
Best Actress:
Renee Zellweger-- "Judy"
Best Supporting Actor:
Brad Pitt-- "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood"
Best Supporting Actress:
Laura Dern-- "Marriage Story"
Best Director:
Boon Joon Ho-- "Parasite"
Best Original Screenplay:
"Parasite"-- Boon Joon Ho, Jin Won Han
Best Adapted Screenplay:
"Jojo Rabbit"-- Taika Waititi
Best Cinematography:
"1917"-- Roger Deakins
Best Film Editing:
"Ford v Ferrari"-- Andrew Buckland, Michael McCusker
Best Production Design:
"Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood"-- Barbara Ling, Nancy Haigh
Best Costume Design:
"Little Women"-- Jacqueline Durran
Best Makeup and Hairstyling:
"Bombshell"-- Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan, Vivian Baker
Best Original Score:
"Joker"-- Hildur Gudnadottir
Best Original Song:
"Rocketman"-- Elton John, Bernie Taupin--"I'm Gonna Love Me Again"
Best Sound Mixing:
"1917"-- Mark Taylor, Stuart Wilson
Best Sound Editing:
"Ford v Ferrari"-- Donald Sylvester
Best Visual Effects"
"1917"-- Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler, Dominic Tuohy
Best Documentary Feature:
"American Factory"
Best Documentary Short Subject:
"Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're Not a Girl)"
Best Animated Feature"
"Toy Story 4"
Best Animated Short:
"Hair Love"
Best Live Action Short:
"The Neighbors' Window"
Best International or Foreign Film:
"Parasite"
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award:
Geena Davis
Honary Awards:
David Lynch, Wes Studi and Lina Wertmuller

All in all, this was certainly a better Oscar presentation that I ever thought it would be. Maybe because of familiarity, but the Academy should rethink the idea of having a host next year. I believe audiences like it and are certainly used to it, and a good host can connect all the segments of the show so it flows much better if not quicker. Where is Billy Crystal when we need him? 
I did predict and guessed correct on the best actor, actress, supporting actor and actress, cinematography, film editing, foreign film and original song. Not bad, but I didn't guess the best film, direction or original score. Best picture was a shocker. I thought since "Parasite won foreign film, "1917" would pick it up. Also since "1917" won the DGA Award for directing, Sam Mendes would pick up that award. So much for assumption. At least this was far better than last years' award presentation. And with that, hopefully AMPAS can muster up a good, entertaining host for next year.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                        Rated: NR                                              214mins.